Alright, I'm trying to build up a single speed MTB conversion, and I can not manage to install the bottom bracket. Maybe I'm being a complete moron and either have the wrong parts or am trying to stick them together incorrectly; but I think I've checked everything pretty carefully and they really should be compatible, and I've (successfully) installed a bottom bracket before so I'm pretty sure I'm doing it right. The BB is new, but the frame I bought off CL and although the guy seemed pretty trustworthy I'm worried I may've been had. At the very least it may need to be tapped, etc, which is something I know absolutely nothing about and probably service money I really don't have to spend at this point.
Okay, here are the pieces:

Frame - 2008 Kona kula supreme. here
Bottom bracket - cheapass truvativ here (it's 113 mm, though)

pictures of the bb shell in a few minutes.

The BB starts to screw in, but after a rotation or two gets harder and harder to turn. Either side. I (gently) tried to force it on one side a bit, but got worried that I'd strip the threads and chickened out.
I know it isn't an ideal build, but it's what I've got for now.
Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated, thanks!

Pictures! In order: other side top, drive side top, other side bottom, drive side bottom. (sorry I couldn't get them into better focus or order, this isn't my area of expertise.)

Assuming you do, as you say, know which way an English bottom bracket is threaded, i expect the bb shell threads are damaged. Take the frame to an LBS and have the threads "chased" to clean them up. It shouldn't cost much.

Also, look at the bb cup threads and see if any of them seem damaged. These could be cleaned up by you with a small triangular file if needed.

does the bb have a compound applied to the threads?

It does have compound, but the problem starts before that part of the threads are engaged.

The bb threads look good, so I guess I'm heading off to ye olde LBS.

Certainly have the threads chased. Also note that with a piece that large in diameter it is fairly easy to misalign slightly when starting to thread in. A trick of which you may be aware it to turn the cup in the opposite direction (counterclockwise) first. It's easier to settle the cup in square and you can usually feel the lead thread click into place. Then just turn in clockwise.

This would be for the non-drive side--drive side is left-hand thread, so turn clockwise to get a thread to 'drop in', then counterclockwise to thread in.